Evan Jones
Expect big backups and long delays if you are heading from Roanoke to Christiansburg this afternoon or evening, the result of an unscheduled detour off Interstate 81. VDOT officials say crews discovered unstable rock slope today along the area where they are building five miles of new truck climbing lanes. As a result, all southbound traffic on 81 is being taken off the highway at the Dixie Caverns exit and detoured onto US 11/460 up the mountain to Christiansburg. VDOT says the detour will last at least into tomorrow morning as crews determine how to deal with the unstable rock.
Virginia Tech is offering a 10% tuition reduction for its summer undergraduate courses — all 1,800 of them. It’s designed in part to keep the campus busier over the summer months. Tech officials say it may offer many students a speedier route to graduation and a chance to take some courses that are hard to get into during the regular school year. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Ken Cuccinelli
John Edwards
Many Virginia Democrats and the Republican candidate for governor have something to agree on: a new process to restore felons’ voting rights. Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli endorses designation of an executive branch agency to do all the legwork, freeing the governor’s staff from most of those duties. Many General Assembly Democrats like Roanoke State Senator John Edwards have favored similar proposals for years. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Vinton Police say they are stepping up patrols in response to three recent armed robberies in or near the town: last Friday at George’s Tobacco store, Sunday at the Vinton Subway and yesterday at the Vinton Pizza Hut. In all three cases, witnesses provide similar descriptions of the suspect and weapon. Vinton Police say the same person may also be responsible for recent holdups in Roanoke City and Botetourt County.
Click here for the full Vinton Police news release
(Continue reading for surveillance photos from the Sunday robbery at the Vinton Subway.)
Roanoke fire officials say a trash truck ran into a gas meter this morning, breaking the gas line open and forcing 25 people from their homes. It happened shortly before 9:00 am along the 4000 block of Melrose Avenue, not far from the Krispy Kreme store. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Melrose Avenue is once again open to traffic.
The fall campaign season does not traditionally begin until the summer season ends, but this year, just as that season is beginning, the race for Virginia governor is well underway. Both campaigns have already run several commercials statewide, and political experts say both Terry McAuliffe and Ken Cuccinelli are trying to deliver early positive messages to many voters who are undecided at this early stage in the race. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Virginia groups working to prevent sexual assault and domestic violence hope some new license plates can help their efforts. They’re the “Peace Begins at Home” plates, which will help fund prevention programs directed toward children. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here for full “Drive Peace home” information.
With Memorial Day now here, the summer season is now under way, and state health officials hope you will remain aware of the signs and dangers of Lyme Disease. Reported Lyme Disease cases rose 9% last year in Virginia from 2011. If quickly diagnosed, its effects can be minor, but when left untreated, the problems can become severe. WFIR’s Evan Jones has the story.
Click here for comprehensive Lyme Disease information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Quang Tran (photo from Roanoke Police)
Roanoke Police are asking for help in find a man reported missing two weeks ago today. 45-year-old Quang Tran disappeared from the retirement home where he lives. Police say there are no signs of foul play, but he does have health problems and family members have been unable to contact him.
(Continue reading for the full Roanoke Police news release.)
Roanoke County Police report the lockdowns have been lifted at William Byrd Middle and High Schools. They were put into place this morning to ensure student and teacher safety after an armed robbery at a nearby business. At last word, police were still looking for the robbery suspect.
(Continue reading for the full Roanoke County news release.)